An outbreak of meningococcal disease in Auckland, New Zealand

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Abstract
A large epidemic of disease caused by Group A sulfonamide-resistant Neisseria meningitidis has been occurring in Auckland, New Zealand, from June, 1985, and peaking in October, 1985 (spring), and June, 1986 (winter). By the end of 1986 an overall attack rate of 3.3 cases/100,000 total population per year had been calculated. The attack rate in children younger than 15 years was 30.4/100,000/year and the highest rate occurred in children younger than 5 years: all Auckland 68.8/100,000/year; South and Central Auckland 98.7/100,000/year. Seventy nine percent of cases younger than 15 years of age occurred in 30% of the childhood population. The overall case-fatality ratio was 7% with the highest rate (22%) occurring in male children age 1 to 2 years. An outbreak in an industrialized country of an infectious disease usually seen in developing countries calls for investigation of living conditions and other sociodemographic factors in the population affected. Specific action in the form of a vaccination program particularly targeted to those at risk was planned and implemented before the winter of 1987.